Many individuals who visit skin surgeons for age spot treatment and chemical peels require assistance due to ongoing sun exposure. While doctors and skincare specialists encourage protection from UV rays, sunburn is common during the summer and for individuals who spend extended time outdoors for work and pleasure. Here is what you should know about sunburn so you can maintain healthy skin through every life stage. 

Understanding the Impact of Sunburn

What Happens to My Skin When It’s Sunburned?

While a burn is synonymous with heat, UV rays from the sun, as opposed to the warmth, is what causes sunburn. When out in the sun, these UV rays penetrate your skin, resulting in cell damage. If exposed to these rays for too long, skin cells die and blood cells dilate to promote blood flow and bring immune cells to the skin’s surface. This process results in the redness, inflammation, swelling, and eventually, peeling.

How Does Sun Damage Affect My Skin?

Studies have found that sun damage can result in fine lines, wrinkles, changes in pigmentation that requires age spot treatment, and sagging or texture changes. In addition to these cosmetic alterations, sunburn and ongoing exposure to the sun’s rays are linked to nonmelanoma skin cancer. In fact, 90% of all nonmelanoma skin cancer cases are linked to sun exposure. Thus, if you notice new moles, skin lesions, or changes to existing moles following time in the sun, it’s important to consult a dermatologist. 

What Precautions Should I Take to Prevent Sun Damage?

Before going into the sun, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays, and water-resistant formulas labeled SPF 30 or above. For best results, re-apply every two hours and pair sunscreen with protective clothing like hats, sunglasses, and long sleeves. Should sun damage lead to early signs of aging, a dermatologist can provide age spot treatment, chemical peels, or microdermabrasion to minimize fine lines and wrinkles. These professionals can also remove skin cancer lesions and moles.  

If you’re looking for a dermatologist and skin surgeon in the greater Hartford, CT, area that specializes in age spot treatment, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels to reverse the effects of sun damage, call Lauren A Daman, MD, PC today at (860) 246-3533 to schedule a consultation. For more information on Dr. Daman’s welcoming office and her team’s ongoing commitment to providing medical and cosmetic skin treatments to ensure every patient is healthy and confident from the inside out, visit her website.